Thursday, February 10, 2011

Food: I Can Eat it But Not Grow it?

The war against drugs has had some weird consequences. America has an incredible number of people behind bars for what, elsewhere in the world, is considered a minor offense or no offense at all. The U.S. spends incredible amounts to stop the importing, growing, creating, transporting, selling, and use of a whole number of substances.

From crystal meth to marijuana to ecstasy and opium law enforcement is on the case.

Which leaves me with a minor problem.

The problem isn't that I use drugs. I don't use drugs - not 'hard' nor 'soft'. I don't judge those who use drugs. Especially if they use them medicinally, or recreationally, and above all responsibly. I consider alcohol as much of a drug as most of the 'illegal' ones and I don't think everyone should stop drinking.

The problem isn't that I'm dead set against the drug war in its entirety and that I think all drugs should be legal. I'm split on the issue of legalization since I don't think any and all drugs should be legalized. I'm not particularly in favour of open unregulated legalization of everything.

No the problem is that I happen to like a food that is intimately related to an illicit drug. One that can set of false alarms on drug tests and happens to taste really good in pastry.

You see... I like poppy seeds and I'm not afraid to admit it. From just a sprinkling as a topping on bagels to the extremes of makowiec I'm a fan.

But the plants that make poppy seeds also make opium. All you need to know is how to turn a poppy from a nice flower into a drug producing plant.

Years ago Michael Pollan wrote about the problems and issues with poppies. As weird as it sounds it's only illegal to grow poppies if you know how to 'misuse' the plant. Otherwise they're just harmless flowers. You can read all about Opium Made Easy.

I just don't know if you're allowed to grow poppies in your garden after reading the article.

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